Case Study

Convenience stores in the United Kingdom represent a £39.1 billion industry, about the same as industries such as oil and gas. Convenience stores number almost 50,000 and 72% of them are run by independent retailers. These retailers face challenges like future-proofing their businesses and eliminating staff theft. More often than not, the answer to both is technology.

When opening a new store, owners have to make many decisions, including what to sell, how to draw customers and what systems to deploy. Karan Patel was especially interested in frictionless technology when setting up his SPAR convenience store in Tunbridge Wells, UK. He wanted to future-proof the store with modern technology to attract millennials and Generation Z customers.

That meant deploying a fully featured POS system integrated with intelligent drawers, digital signage, a cigarette dispenser and electronic price labeling. Patel researched available technology and providers before he decided to contact Borehamwood-based MSP Systems Ltd., which he had come across online.

“We asked them to give us a complete solution that would integrate with all the new in-store technologies we have, including intelligent labeling, a cigarette display system and media advertising,” Patel recalls. Having looked at seven other solution providers, while reviewing his options, Patel ultimately chose MSP Systems “because of their reasonable price and a good customer support line.”

His SPAR franchise is family-run and employs three family members and seven part-time workers. Patel wanted technology that would allow him to run the business efficiently and prevent cash loss while also making it attractive to modern consumers, who often make purchase decisions based on digital signage promotions and want to get through the checkout fast.

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